Junior High

7th & 8th grade

Our Montessori Junior High School program is now enrolling for the 2026 - 2027 school year. It is a two year program focused around the developmental needs of the adolescent child.

Junior High School

Our Montessori Junior High (7th and 8th grade) program — often called the Adolescent Program — is designed to meet the unique developmental needs of students ages 12–14. At this stage, students are developing independence, social awareness, critical thinking skills, and a growing sense of identity. The Montessori approach supports this transformation by combining rigorous academics with meaningful, real-world experiences.

Learning Through Purposeful Work

Rather than moving through isolated subjects, students engage in interdisciplinary studies that connect mathematics, science, humanities, literature, and the arts. Learning is often organized around projects, research, seminars, and collaborative problem-solving that encourage deep understanding rather than memorization.

Students learn to:

  • Think critically and analytically

  • Conduct independent research

  • Manage long-term projects

  • Communicate ideas clearly through writing and presentation

  • Apply knowledge to real-world situations

Independence & Responsibility

A central goal of the Montessori Junior High experience is helping adolescents take increasing responsibility for their learning and community. Students participate in planning their work, managing time, setting goals, and reflecting on progress with guidance from teachers.

This growing independence fosters:

  • Self-confidence

  • Accountability

  • Executive functioning skills

  • Intrinsic motivation

Community & Social Development

Adolescents are highly social learners. Montessori Junior High programs intentionally cultivate respectful collaboration, leadership, and empathy through group work, community meetings, and shared responsibilities.

Students practice:

  • Conflict resolution

  • Leadership and teamwork

  • Respectful dialogue

  • Ethical decision-making

Real-World Application

Our Montessori adolescent program includes experiential learning such as entrepreneurship projects, community service, outdoor education, internships, or land-based activities. These experiences allow students to see the relevance of academic learning while developing practical life skills.

Through meaningful contribution, students begin to understand their role within a larger community and society.

Preparation for High School — and Beyond

By the end of 8th grade, Montessori students are typically confident, self-directed learners who know how to organize their work, advocate for themselves, and approach challenges thoughtfully. They leave prepared not only for academic success in high school, but also for responsible participation in the wider world.